Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria on Monday that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and most trusted team members, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele.
Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle and sustained only minor injuries, but the crash has left the former heavyweight champion grappling with a devastating personal loss.
Authorities said the accident occurred in Ogun State after a tyre on the vehicle burst, causing the driver to lose control before the car collided with a stationary truck parked along the road.
“The accident happened as a result of a burst tyre on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road,” Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo told ESPN.
Ghami and Ayodele were killed in the crash. Both men were integral parts of Joshua‘s inner circle, working with him on a daily basis and playing key roles in his preparation and recovery throughout his career.
The tragedy unfolded at a time when Joshua appeared to be in good spirits, still riding the momentum of recent success in the ring.
Joshua‘s physical injuries were described as minor, but the emotional toll has been profound. The crash came just 10 days after his knockout victory over Jake Paul, a bout that drew global attention and marked another high-profile moment in the later stage of his career.
Two figures who helped shape Joshua’s journey
Ghami and Ayodele were not simply members of Joshua‘s staff.
They were confidants and constants in a career defined by intense pressure and public scrutiny, making their sudden loss especially painful.
A statement from Matchroom Boxing, shared by promoter Eddie Hearn, confirmed the deaths: “With profound sadness, it has been confirmed, that two close frriends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.”
Ghami had worked with Joshua for more than a decade and was widely regarded as one of the key figures behind the boxer’s physical longevity and resilience.
A sport and exercise rehabilitation specialist, Ghami focused on musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise and was a co-founder of London’s Evolve Gym.
His behind-the-scenes influence was felt during many of Joshua‘s defining moments.
According to BBC reporting, Ghami played a major role in preparing Joshua for some of the biggest fights of his career, including the iconic 2017 heavyweight title victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
He was also closely involved in Joshua‘s preparation for the recent win over Jake Paul.
Beyond boxing, Ghami‘s expertise extended to other elite athletes, including former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell and NBA standout Draymond Green.
Ayodele, widely known as Latif or Latz, served as Joshua‘s personal trainer and was also one of his closest friends.
According to The Mirror, he was deeply passionate about fitness and played a central role in Joshua‘s day-to-day training routines.
Just hours before the crash, Joshua shared a video on Instagram of the two playing table tennis, a lighthearted moment that has since taken on heartbreaking significance.
Born Kevin Ayodele, he later converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdul Latif. Those who knew him described him as deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to inspiring others through discipline, training, and example.
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